Senior Joint Operations Officer

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Position Title: Senior Joint Operations Officer
Location: Laayoune
Country: Western Sahara
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). MINURSO was established to oversee the referendum process in Western Sahara, aiming to resolve the long-standing conflict in the region. The mission operates with a diverse team comprising military, police, and civilian personnel, and is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the area. The organization emphasizes gender balance and geographical diversity in its staffing, encouraging female candidates to apply. MINURSO is part of the broader United Nations system, which operates in various countries around the world, focusing on peacekeeping and conflict resolution.

Job Overview:
The Senior Joint Operations Officer (SJOO) plays a crucial role in the coordination and supervision of the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) and the Joint Mission Analysis Centre (JMAC). This position requires a high level of responsibility, as the SJOO will manage an integrated team that includes military, police, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security components. The SJOO will report directly to the Chief of Staff and will be responsible for ensuring that the JOC and JMAC operate effectively, providing critical support to the mission's objectives. The role involves overseeing the development and implementation of standard operating procedures, managing crisis situations, and maintaining communication with various stakeholders, including the UN Headquarters and other mission components. The SJOO is expected to provide strategic insights and analysis to inform decision-making processes and to ensure that the mission is prepared for any crises that may arise.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the JOC and JMAC, including overseeing performance management, recruitment, and training.
• Develop and implement mission-level standard operating procedures and ensure compliance through training and evaluation.
• Brief the SRSG and senior leadership on operational matters and maintain relations with mission components and external partners.
• Monitor and report on operations, ensuring timely communication of important incidents and developments.
• Provide crisis management support, including organizing meetings and ensuring preparedness for crises.
• Chair operational coordination meetings and liaise with mission support and UNCT.
• Lead efforts to collect and analyze data for informed decision-making and reporting.
• Perform other tasks as required by the Chief of Staff or the Special Representative to the SG.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong analytical skills and experience in information collection, planning, and coordination within UN peace operations. Excellent drafting and editing skills are essential, along with the ability to integrate diverse perspectives into analytical products. Knowledge of military and UN peacekeeping best practices is required, as well as the ability to develop work plans that align with the mission's strategic objectives. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to manage crises and build trust within the team and with clients.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, security, foreign affairs, law, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Formal training in military or government staff colleges is considered an advantage. Successful completion of programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in political or international affairs, military, police, security, civil affairs, humanitarian affairs, human rights, crisis operations, or a related field. Experience in UN peacekeeping or similar mission environments is required, along with experience supervising teams. Experience working in both field and headquarters environments is desirable, and experience in data analytics or related areas is also a plus.

Languages:
Fluency in English (oral and written) is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is desirable but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is part of a 'Recruit from Roster' job opening, meaning it is only open to candidates who are already on pre-approved rosters. Eligible applicants will receive an email invitation to apply. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request.